Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals used in countless industrial and consumer products. The possible toxic effect of these compounds is a cause for concern in public health. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health, a centre supported by the ”la Caixa” Banking Foundation, has led two studies undertaken to provide more information on the possible impact of prenatal exposure to PFAS on the health of newborns and children.

As part of the INMA Project, a framework for research on the effects of environmental pollution on child health, the two studies were undertaken to investigate the consequences of prenatal exposure to PFAS. One studied its impact on the weight, length, gestational age, and head circumference of newborns at birth. The other focused on whether prenatal exposure to PFAS might increase the risk of cardiometabolic syndrome or obesity. The authors, who published the studies in Environment International and Environmental Health Perspectives, respectively, did not find any significant associations.